A daily roundup of just-released investigative reports, drawn from oversight agencies, congressional committees, and government offices across Washington.

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS: “Payments to Individuals Whose Numident Record Contains a Death Entry” (Social Security Administration’s Inspector General). Estimates that, as of January 2008, the Social Security Administration was issuing payments to approximately 1,760 beneficiaries whose “Numident Master File” records accurately recorded them as deceased. “SSA made approximately $40.3 million in improper payments to the deceased beneficiaries after recording their date of death in SSA’s records.”

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS: “Benefits Paid to Title II Beneficiaries with a Child-in-Care” (Social Security Administration’s Inspector General). Identified ineligible beneficiaries, estimating that “SSA will continue to incorrectly pay about $1.8 million over the next 12 months to individuals who are no longer entitled to child-in-care benefits if the Agency does not take action.”

DISABILITY BENEFITS: “Electronic File Assembly” (Social Security Administration’s Inspector General). Reports deficiencies in the “ePulling” pilot project, designed to electronically assemble case files for hearings.

HEALTH CARE: “Medicare Part B Chemotherapy Administration: Payment and Policy” (Health and Human Services Department’s Inspector General).

MILITARY PROCUREMENT: “Defense Travel System: Implementation Challenges Remain” (Government Accountability Office).

“RECOVERY ACT: The Department of Transportation Followed Key Federal Requirements in Developing Selection Criteria for Its Supplemental Discretionary Grants Program” (Government Accountability Office).

VETERANS BENEFITS: “Review of Veterans Benefit Administration Large Retroactive Payments” (Veterans Affairs Department’s Inspector General).

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